Liability of the United States for Accidental Injuriesand Damage

1Introduction

Sovereign ImmunityStatutes Permitting Claims Against USPersonal Liability of Government EmployeesAffirmative ClaimsClaims Investigation & ReportingClaims and Safety Interaction

Sovereign Immunity

Legal doctrinePrivate bills in CongressConstrued in favor of governmentSome only for administrative claims

Statutes Permitting Claims Against the United StatesScope of EmploymentFederal Employees Compensation Act (FECA)Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)Monetary ClaimsIn US TerritoryTwo Years to FileAdministrative ClaimExclusions and ImmunitiesState LawExpress ExclusionsFERES doctrineLimits on Damages

Army Maritime Claims Settlement ActForeign Claims ActSuits in Admiralty ActMilitary Claims ActStatus of Forces AgreementsComprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Statutes Permitting Claims Against the United States (contd.)

Personal Liability of Government EmployeesBackground

Federal Employees Reform Act

Tort Compensation Act

Other Immunities

Affirmative Claims

Federal Medical Care Recovery Act10 USC 1095Property Damage

Claims Investigation and Reporting Claims Process

Potentially Compensable Events (PCE)

Claims InvestigationPersonnel

Procedures

Purpose

Responsibility

Claims Investigation and Reporting Claims Process (contd.)Liability Assessment

Damage Assessment

Negotiation and Settlement

Litigation

Payment

Prevention

Claims and Safety Interaction

General Considerations

Notice of Accidents/PCE

Coordination of Investigations

Sharing of Information

What can be done to minimize the Governments exposure to liability?Good Communication with JAG officeDont Wait for AccidentKeep Commander InformedDocument Actions TakenInvestigate Actions ThoroughlyPublicize Your Existence

The Government Contractor DefenseBoyle Case ElementsUS ApprovedEquipment ConformedSupplier WarnedFeres Doctrine Extended

Government Contractor Defense ExamplesOil Debris Detection System, UH-1Engine chip detector gathered metal debrisLocated at bottom of engineNew system on top of engineOld system not disengagedEngine failedPeople diedWiesbaden UH-60External fuel storesOne fuel system indicatorFaulty readingAdversely affects center of gravityLost control at 100Burned on impactFatalities and severe injuries

Questions

14